[FAQ] Autodesk Golaem: Questions and Answers

[alexandre_pillon]

Here is the Release FAQ about Golaem. You can also find it here

1. What is Autodesk Golaem? 

Golaem is a crowd simulation and character layout plug-in for Autodesk Maya that simplifies the process of populating 3D worlds with realistic crowds or animated characters, be it an epic battle, lively city street, or roaring stadium crowd. It takes your characters and motions and multiplies them procedurally. 

2. What is Golaem used for? 

Golaem is a versatile crowd system that seamlessly integrates into your animation, visual effects, and game development pipeline, making it ideal for projects in Film, TV, and Games. 

3. Who uses Golaem? 

Golaem is an artist-friendly tool designed for 3D animators and VFX artists who want to create multiple characters for their scenes. Whether you are a crowd artist or a 3D generalist familiar with Maya, you can get started right away. 

4. Does Golaem integrate with other 3D content creation tools? 

Golaem primarily integrates with Autodesk Maya and has plug-in extensions for other 3D content creation tools that allow you to bring your crowd work into software like Autodesk® 3ds Max® software, Houdini®, Katana®, and Unreal Engine®. Golaem also supports all major industry file formats including USD, Alembic or FBX. 

5. What are the Golaem plug-in’s system requirements? 

As a plug-in for Maya, Golaem adheres to the same system requirements and recommendations as Maya. However, although Maya is available for the Apple® operating system, Golaem can only be run on Windows® or Linux®. You can find the system requirements for Maya here. 

6. What is happening on March 26, 2025? 

On March 26, 2025, Autodesk Golaem, a plug-in for Maya, will be included in the Media & Entertainment Collection subscription, providing you with crowd simulation and character animation capabilities. 

7. Will the Golaem plug-in be available globally? 

Yes, the Golaem plug-in will be available globally as part of the M&E Collection. 

8. How can I purchase or renew the new M&E Collection offering? 

You can purchase or renew the M&E Collection on the Autodesk store, by contacting sales, or through an Autodesk-authorized reseller.  

9. Where can I learn more about the M&E Collection? 

You can learn more about the M&E Collection on the Autodesk website here.  

10. Where can I learn more about Autodesk Golaem? 

You can learn more about Golaem on the Autodesk website here. 

11. If I have a M&E Collection subscription, what will I experience in my Autodesk Account on March 26, 2025? 

After logging into your Autodesk Account, you will see the Golaem card in the Products 

and Services page, where you can access and download the plug-in. 

12. How can I access and download Autodesk Golaem? 

Starting March 26, 2025, you can access the Golaem plug-in with a subscription to the M&E Collection. You will need to download Golaem from your Autodesk Account for use with Maya and other 3D content creation tools. 

Within the Golaem product card, you will find all Maya plug-ins in the Update tab, and plug-ins for versions supporting other 3D content creation tools in the Extension tab. 

13. What version of Golaem is included in the M&E Collection? 

On March 26, 2025, Golaem version 9.2 will be released with the M&E Collection for Maya version 2026, and will also support Maya 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022. 

14. Will Golaem version updates follow Maya software’s release cycle? 

No, the Golaem plug-in update release cycle will be independent of the release cycle for Maya. ​ 

15. What is included in Autodesk Golaem? 

The Golaem plug-in includes Golaem Crowd, which is used for creating and simulating a crowd, and Golaem Layout, which is used for manipulating and customizing simulation results. 
Although an M&E Collection license is required for simulation, a license will not be consumed for only using the Golaem Layout features. 

16. How many licenses of Golaem do I receive per M&E Collection subscription? 

With each M&E Collection license, subscribers receive one (1) Golaem license, which includes Golaem Crowd and Golaem Layout, and it is only consumed when performing a crowd simulation using Golaem Crowd. 

17. How do I manage and administer licenses? 

With an M&E Collection subscription, you can manage your products and subscriptions through the standard experience in Autodesk Account. User assignment will happen in the account portal as it does with other products. 

18. Can a Golaem license be purchased as a standalone product? 

No, a license of Golaem cannot be purchased standalone. As of March 26, 2025, you must have an active M&E Collection subscription to access and use the Golaem plug-in. 

19. If I have a standalone Maya or Maya Indie license, can I access Golaem? 

No, starting March 26, 2025, you will need an M&E Collection license to use the latest version of Autodesk Golaem with Maya. 

20. If I have an existing Golaem rental license, how can I access the latest version? 

As of August 5, 2025, standalone rental licenses of Golaem, purchased prior to Autodesk acquiring Golaem, will expire and cannot be purchased or renewed. To continue using Golaem, you must subscribe to a license of the M&E Collection, which includes a license to Autodesk Maya. 

21. If I have an existing Golaem permanent license, how can I access the latest version?  

Golaem permanent licenses purchased prior to Autodesk acquiring Golaem will remain valid. To use the latest version of Golaem, you must subscribe to a license of the M&E Collection, which includes a license to Autodesk Maya. 

22. Is Autodesk offering a free trial version of Golaem? 

Yes, a free trial for Golaem will be available, as is standard with other products in the M&E Collection. You can access the free trial via the Autodesk Free Trial page. 

23. Is Autodesk offering an educational version of Golaem? 

Yes, Autodesk is offering an educational version of Golaem, as is standard with other products in the M&E Collection. Students can access the Golaem plug-in's educational version via the Autodesk Education page. 

24. How can I request support for Golaem? 

You will receive the same support offered for the M&E Collection. You can contact support or visit the product forum for any questions. 

25. Where can I access available product documentation and resources? 

The Golaem plug-in's product documentation and resources can be accessed on Autodesk product documentation. Additionally, you can find learning content on the Golaem YouTube channel here. 

26. Where can I find more information if I have additional questions about these changes? 
For further inquiries about these changes, please reach out to your sales representative or Autodesk-authorized reseller. You can also visit the M&E Collection or Golaem pages on the Autodesk website for more information.